CLOSING

So Mark Pongetti has decided this will be the fate of Pongetti Musical Instruments, the business his family started 55 years ago.

His father Rolando and mother Elena built the business up from a tiny shop on Barton Street East to the modern space on Upper James. But his father has fallen ill in recent years, and the business model that Pongetti is based on is no longer viable, he says.

“It's time to wind it all down and allow them (his parents) to benefit from what they've built,” he said. “After 55 years, you want to spin this out properly and show respect to everyone who has invested in the business.”

His brother Larry, who ran the lesson centre, ended programming in time to give the store's music teachers enough notice to start the fall season elsewhere.

There's also now time enough to liquidate the sizable inventory left in the store. Time enough too, to take stock and see what's next after the store closes its doors for the last time, likely next spring.

Its history is rooted in the town of Castelfidardo in Italy. It's where accordions were made. Mark's grandfather was sent by the accordion manufacturers to teach repair techniques in North America. He was headed for Detroit but stopped to see his brother in Hamilton and stayed.

Then Rolando put an electric guitar in the window of his Barton Street shop. The Beatles were hot and so was that guitar — it sold the same day.

Then came the drums, then the other instruments and lessons.

But times change as much as the music.

First, there was the move from the downtown. Barton Street was depressed and the young people didn't come around anymore.

So the Pongetti store moved up to Upper James, where the action was. Sales peaked around 2006, said Pongetti.

Then the recession hit in 2008.

“Demographics have changed. There aren't as many kids and those that are around aren't as interested in taking music lessons,” said Pongetti. “It takes time and effort to learn an instrument. It isn't instant. A few years ago, we'd sell 100 drum kits in December, these days we'd be lucky to sell five.”

To add to the pressures, more big box stores and chain stores are getting into the instrument business “where they have no business” being, he said.

“The music industry is very small and it's shrinking. It used to be a very personal business. Selling instruments isn't something you can clerk. You have to try to match the right instrument to the person, give them the best value.

“Nowadays, customers will search the Internet and come in and say, ‘Hey I can get that cheaper in the States. Can you match the price?'

“There isn't that personal touch anymore.”

Pongetti said he's received some touching messages from customers and even local competitors offering tributes to the family business.

He said the family is very grateful for all the support from customers over the years and is content with planning a graceful exit.

But Pongetti said he would not rule out being involved in some way in the local music scene, once things are tidied up. “Pongetti's — this store — will close. Mark Pongetti, now that's another matter.”